Hinda out to prove KO was no one-hit wonder
Namibian mixed martial artist Veja “Hinda Boy” Hinda is already plotting his return to the cage after a statement knockout against South Africa’s Bheki Ngcobo 2:09 into the first round of their bantamweight bout in Sandton last week.
The country’s first mixed martial arts (MMA) African champion, crowned in 2022, has revealed that an “ideal” year-end for him would be getting “one or two more fights this year”.
“Beating [Ngcobo in my first outing of the year] was a great feeling if I’m honest. The goal [after the win] is definitely to stay active, continue improving and take on tougher challenges in the bantamweight division,” he told Sport Wrap.
The victory improved Hinda’s professional record to 2-0, 1 KO, after he had earlier beaten South Africa’s Ash Zola in Johannesburg last August. However, he said he is not too focused on the record itself.
“It just shows that I am progressing in the right direction. I just hate that so much pressure is put on fighters and athletes to maintain a perfect record. [We should be allowed to] just go out there and put on a good show for the audience,” he said.
Smart decisions
Reflecting on his preparations ahead of facing Ngcobo, Hinda said the game plan was to stay composed and make smart decisions.
“We knew that he was going to be a bit taller than me. Managing the distance was a very key factor and something we focused on a lot in training to avoid mistakes while going in,” he said.
Hinda welcomed the early knockout, saying he read Ngcobo’s game plan and exploited the openings that appeared when the South African dropped his guard. His training had focused on various scenarios, including getting the finish and going the full 15 minutes.
“In my last fight [against Zola], I had countless opportunities to finish the fight, but I opted against it to experience going the distance. This time around, I felt more comfortable, so when I saw an opening, I took it,” he said.
He noted that a lot of hard work had gone into preparing for the fight and securing a first-round knockout.
“It is very satisfying and gives me a lot of confidence. It was good to know these hands can do the work. It also showed me that the work my team and I have put in paid off, especially from a boxing perspective,” he noted.
Always room for growth
Hinda’s training revolved around boxing, which was evident in his fight against the South African. However, he still believes there is a lot of work to be done in that regard.
“The sport of mixed martial arts is always evolving, so there’s always room for growth in every aspect. I have gone back to practising my boxing. I’m not the best boxer.
“I’m just a student of the game still, so I am working on my boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and just overall fight IQ [tactical intelligence and decision-making ability],” he remarked.
This, Hinda believes, is what sets him apart from other athletes, saying that MMA is “a thinking man’s game”.
“[I always strive to be] one step ahead of all these fighters. Right now, I’m focused on improving and staying prepared. I’ll leave the matchmaking to the promotion and my team. It’s still very early in my career to make call-outs.”
‘Not a one-hit wonder’
Despite being tight-lipped on who he wants to take on next, the Namibian has expressed his hunger to fight whoever is put in front of him.
“I’m ready. I will grab the next opportunity with both hands. [I want them] to know that the knockout wasn’t a one-hit wonder and that I’m here to take over,” he assured.
Hinda is celebrating the victory back home by spending time with his family.
“The support [after the victory and towards my career] has been amazing from my coaches, family and training partners. I’ve also received [a lot more support] on social media. Namibian flags were everywhere,” he noted.
He indicated that this kind of backing plays a big role in his career and keeps him motivated and focused.
“It gives me dedication to go out there and put on a good performance for the people who are supporting me and want me to do well. So yeah, I’m grateful,” said Hinda.
